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November 2011 Book of the Month.

A grim and gritty novel, set in 5th century Arthurian Britain, that will appeal to fans of mystery novels as much as history buffs. The perpetrators of a violent murder of a young girl must be found to protect Arthur's newly developing realm - and if you enjoy it the good news is that it’s the start of a series of books.

Synopsis

The Killing Way by Tony Hays

Welcome to fifth century Britain: the Romans have left, the Saxons have invaded, the towns are decaying and the countryside dangerous. A young leader has forged a reputation as a both a warrior and a diplomat and supreme power is within his grasp. But Camelot does not exist; chivalry is nonexistent; betrayal and treachery are endemic. This is not the Arthur of legend. And neither is this Arthur's story. This tale belongs to its grim narrator, Malgwyn ap Cuneglas, a man whose broken life mirrors the broken Roman roads that divide the landscape. Once a feared warrior, he should have lost his life when he lost his swordhand on the battlefield. But Arthur saved him, condemning Malgwyn to a half-life as a meagre scribe. But when a young woman is murdered and Arthur's reputation is threatened, Malgwyn is tasked with solving the mystery and safeguarding the stability of Arthur's newborn realm.

Reviews

This author knows his history and produces a first class, page turning tale. We shall doubtless hear much more of Tony Hays. --Peter Tremayne There's nothing like seeing an old story through new eyes. So, how about a murder mystery set in Camelot? King Arthur, Guinevere, Merlin and the rest of the gang are all here, but Tony Hays brings them to life anew, in a tale filled with twists and turns and surprises on every page. The joy of discovery--and re-discovery--will keep you reading long into the night,

--William Martin,

New York

Times

Best Selling author of

The Lost Constitution

True to the magic of the Arthurian legend. The Killing Way is a beautiful tale rich in character and atmosphere, and dark with emotions old as time. --Howard Bahr, author of Pelican Road

A vivid and original detective story, The Killing Way is an unusual Arthurian murder mystery set against an evocative fifth century background that is more genuine than the usual Arthurian fare. Tony Hays makes thorough and intelligent use of modern research. Yes, it might actually have been like that. --Geoffrey Ashe, leading Arthurian scholar and author of Merlin: The Prophet & His History

An exciting, suspenseful murder mystery, The Killing Way is an excellent read. --Richard Tuerk, author of Oz in Perspective .

About the Author

Anthony Hays is a journalist and novelist. He has covered topics as varied as narcotics trafficking, political corruption, Civil War history, and the war on terror.